Mr Clark, who previously served as a non-executive director with CHAP, brings with him a wealth of experience spanning several decades in business leadership across multiple industries.

Hugh Craigie, managing director, said: “Jim has been a mentor and a source of unwavering support since joining the business in 2019.

“We are delighted he has accepted the position of chairman at such an exciting time of growth and opportunity for the company.”

Born in Aberdeen in 1954, Mr Clark grew up in a hardworking family — his father was a long-distance lorry driver and his mother worked at Littlewoods stores.

Today, he lives between homes in Aberdeen and South Africa and has also previously resided in Spain, as well as America. He is married with two daughters and four grandchildren, ranging in age from 4 to 22.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Mr Clark has held directorships in more than 100 companies, including some of Aberdeen’s oldest and best-known businesses, such as John Robertson Canisters (Tinny Robertson) and Silver City Cleaners.

He has also served on the main boards of three public limited companies and has been instrumental in the growth of notable enterprises, including Marwell, Pragma Systems, Nevis Group, Nimmo Offshore, MSIS Industrial Services, Keenan Recycling, and Uppa Crust, one of the UK’s largest sandwich manufacturers.

Currently, Mr Clark holds directorships at AV One Solutions and CSG Group in the UK, as well as with 20-20 Partners, a Miami-based cyber security firm, and Enelift, a Danish lifting specialist.

He also advises three UK-based high-net-worth family offices, supporting transactions valued at more than £200 million in recent years.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Clark said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chairman at CHAP and to build on the legacy created by Alasdair.

“My focus is to add value, enjoy the journey, and help create wealth for the company and its stakeholders.”

In a statement, CHAP said it welcomes Mr Clark’s appointment as chairman and “looks forward to the expertise, energy, and vision he will bring as the company moves into its next chapter”.

The announcement comes as CHAP prepares to celebrate 50 years in business in 2026, marking a major milestone in the company’s history.